Communication system, control method, and communication device

Abstract

To provide a technology for appropriately controlling the randomization of MAC addresses of a communication device when communicating with an information processing device and a communication device that has a MAC address randomization function. [Solution] Based on the fact that a specific function for randomizing the MAC address of the communication device according to specific conditions is enabled and the communication device is in a specific mode for performing wireless configuration of the communication device, the control means is provided to perform a specific control on the communication device such that the MAC address of the communication device is not randomized even if the specific conditions are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, a control method, and a communication device.

Background Art

[0002] In wireless LAN communication, if the MAC address of the terminal used by a user is intercepted by a third party, the user's actions and the like can be tracked. Therefore, from the perspective of protecting the user's privacy, a technique for periodically changing the MAC address of a terminal is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which when an information processing device communicates with a communication device having a MAC address randomization function, even if the MAC address of the communication device is randomized during the communication, the information processing device identifies the communication device and resumes the communication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when the information processing device instructs the communication device to connect to an external access point (AP) and the communication device connects to the AP, the information processing device and the communication device may communicate via the AP. In such a case, the information processing device can identify that the communication device instructed to connect to the AP using the MAC address and the communication device discovered via the AP are the same device. However, when the communication device has a MAC address randomization function, if the MAC address of the communication device is randomized, the information processing device cannot identify the communication device. In this regard, there is room for improvement in the conventional technology.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a technique for appropriately controlling the randomization of MAC addresses of a communication device when an information processing device and a communication device having a MAC address randomization function communicate with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a communication system is provided comprising an information processing device and a communication device, wherein the communication device includes a first transmitting means for transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at a first timing, a control means for executing a specific control to control the communication device such that the MAC address of the communication device is not randomized even if the specific conditions are met, based on the fact that a specific function for randomizing the MAC address of the communication device according to specific conditions is enabled and the communication device is in a specific mode for performing wireless configuration of the communication device, and a second transmitting means for transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at a second timing after the specific control has been executed, and the information processing device includes a third transmitting means for transmitting information for performing wireless configuration of the communication device via a connection between the communication device in the specific mode and the information processing device, and an execution means for executing processing based on the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when an information processing device and a communication device having a MAC address randomization function communicate, it is possible to provide a technique for appropriately controlling the randomization of the MAC address of the communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example system configuration. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration. [Figure 3]This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by a PC. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by a PC. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by a PC. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the processes a printer performs. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the processes a printer performs. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a PC's display device. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by a PC. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the processes a printer performs. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. Hereafter, a printer will be used as an example of a communication device in these embodiments, but a PC or tablet terminal may also be used. Similarly, a PC will be used as an example of an information processing device in these embodiments, but a printer or tablet terminal may also be used.

[0010] <First Embodiment> The system configuration of the present invention will be explained using Figure 1. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which multiple communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. The information processing device and communication device included in the communication system of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the information processing device will be described using PC 101 as an example, but it is not limited to this, and various devices such as mobile terminals, tablet terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital cameras, etc., can be applied. Also, as a communication device, various devices that can communicate wirelessly with the information processing device can be applied. In this embodiment, the communication device will be described using printer 103 as an example. For example, printer 103 can be applied to inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, monochrome printers, etc. Furthermore, it can be applied not only to printer 103 but also to scanners, copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, etc. In addition, it can be applied to multifunction devices that have multiple functions such as copying, faxing, printing, and scanning functions. In this embodiment, the communication device is assumed to be a multifunction printer having printing, scanning, etc.

[0011] Access point 102 is an external device (external access point) located outside both PC 101 and printer 103. In the following explanation, access points will be referred to as APs. Specifically, AP102 is, for example, a wireless LAN router. However, AP102 is not limited to a wireless LAN router; it may be any device capable of relaying wireless communication.

[0012] PC101 can connect to AP102 via wireless LAN. Printer 103 can also connect to AP102 via wireless LAN. Furthermore, PC101 can communicate with printer 103 via AP102. This method of connecting PC101 and printer 103 via AP102 is generally called infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as infrastructure). Infrastructure connection allows for the creation of a network environment where multiple devices can communicate with each other. Additionally, AP102 is typically configured to enable internet communication (cloud communication), allowing devices connected to AP102 to access the internet. On the other hand, a method where PC101 and printer 103 connect directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) only between the two devices (i.e., without AP102) is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, the infrastructure connection and direct connection between PC101 and printer 104 are assumed to be communication methods based on the IEEE 802.11 series standards. The communication method based on the IEEE 802.11 series standards is specifically Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark).

[0013] There is also a connection method called wireless Ad-hoc connection, which allows communication only between two devices. PC101 and printer103 can also connect directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) via wireless Ad-hoc connection. However, while using a wireless Ad-hoc connection, both the wireless interface of PC101 and the wireless interface of printer103 are being used for the wireless Ad-hoc connection, and therefore cannot communicate with any other devices. For this reason, wireless Ad-hoc connections are often used as temporary connections.

[0014] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the PC 101 and printer 103 in this embodiment.

[0015] The PC 101 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a USB interface (I / F) 205, a RAM 206, an external storage device 207, a display device 208, an input interface (I / F) 209, a wired LAN interface 210, a wireless LAN interface (I / F) 211, etc., and each is connected via a system bus.

[0016] The CPU 201 is a system control unit including at least one processor and performs overall control of the PC 101. The ROM 202 stores fixed data such as control programs executed by the CPU 201, data tables, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) program. In this embodiment, the ROM 202 stores a wireless setting program 203 that executes a wireless setting process for instructing the printer 103 to set up a wireless network. Details of the wireless setting process and the wireless setting program 203 will be described later. Also, the ROM 203 stores a wireless profile 204 and the like.

[0017] The wireless profile 204 is information including specific information of the AP 102 connected by the wireless LAN interface 211 (such as the SSID (Service Set Identifier) of the AP 102). The SSID is an identification name of an AP in a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi). Also, the wireless profile 204 is information including authentication information (such as the password of the AP 102) used in the authentication process. The wireless profile 204 is stored and managed by the CPU 201 by executing the OS included in the external storage device 207.

[0018] The USB interface 205, the wired LAN interface 210, and the wireless LAN interface 211 are each communication interfaces for performing data communication with external devices. The PC 101 can communicate with the printer 103 via the USB cable 221. Also, the PC 101 can communicate with the printer 103 via the P2P connection 224 by the wireless LAN interface 224. Further, the PC 101 can also be connected to the LAN (Local Area Network) 222 via the Ethernet cable 225 by the wired LAN interface 210. Therefore, if the printer 103 can also be connected to the LAN 222, the PC 101 and the printer 103 can communicate with each other on the same LAN 222. Additionally, the PC 101 can be connected to the AP 102 by the wireless LAN interface 211. By connecting the AP 102 to the LAN 222 via the Ethernet cable 226, the PC 101 can be connected to the LAN 222. Also, if the printer 103 can be connected to the AP 102, the PC 101 and the printer 103 can communicate with each other via the AP 102. Note that the PC 101 may have the wireless LAN interface 211 but not have the USB interface 205 and the wired LAN interface 210.

[0019] The RAM 206 is composed of an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) etc. that requires a backup power supply. Since the data in the RAM 206 is retained by a primary battery for data backup not shown in the figure, important data such as program control variables can be stored without being volatile. Also, a memory area for storing the setting information of the PC 101, the management data of the PC 101, etc. is also provided in the RAM 206. Further, the RAM 206 is also used as the main memory and the work memory of the CPU 201.

[0020] The external storage device 207 is, for example, a storage device such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or a Solid State Drive (SSD), and stores application programs, an Operating System (OS), a printer 103 driver, and various other data.

[0021] The display device 208 displays various information such as data and notifications of the status of the PC 101 via a user interface screen, and is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal panel) and an LED (light-emitting diode).

[0022] The input interface 209 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user, and consists of a physical keyboard, buttons, touch panel, etc. Alternatively, the display device 208 and the input interface 209 may have the same configuration, allowing for screen output and user operation reception using the same configuration.

[0023] The printer 103 is equipped with a USB interface 251, CPU 252, ROM 253, wireless interface 256, wired LAN interface 257, RAM 258, display device 259, input I / F 260, printing unit 262, etc., each connected via a system bus.

[0024] The USB interface 251, wired LAN interface 257, and wireless LAN interface 256 are communication interfaces that perform data communication with external devices. The printer 103 can communicate with the PC 101 via the USB cable 251. The printer 103 can also communicate with the PC 101 via the P2P connection 224 using the wireless LAN interface 256. Furthermore, the printer 103 can connect to AP 102 via the wireless LAN interface 256. When AP 102 connects to LAN 222 via Ethernet cable 226, the printer 103 can connect to LAN 222.

[0025] The CPU 252 is a system control unit including at least one processor, which controls the entire printer 103. The ROM 253 stores control programs and embedded OS programs executed by the CPU 252. In this embodiment, the ROM 253 stores programs 254, wireless profiles 255, MIB (Management Information Base) information 261, etc.

[0026] The wireless profile 255 contains information including specific information (such as SSID) and authentication information (such as password) for AP102 connected via the wireless LAN interface 256. The wireless profile 255 is stored and managed by the CPU 252 executing program 254 contained in ROM 253. MIB information 261 holds information usable by SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), a standard protocol for managing network devices. MIBs are defined in a tree structure. MIB information 261 is associated with a unique OID (Object Identifier). The printer 103 can obtain the necessary information by specifying the OID when requesting data using SNMP. MIB information 261 stores MAC addresses (Media Access Control addresses) associated with the wireless LAN interface 256 and the wired LAN interface 257 as management information.

[0027] Printer 103 has a MAC address randomization function. The MAC address randomization function is a function that periodically randomizes MAC addresses. Printer 103 can enable or disable the MAC address randomization function by receiving setting operations from the user or setting instructions from the information processing device 101. The conditions under which MAC addresses are randomized by the MAC address randomization function are referred to below as the randomization conditions. Specifically, the randomization conditions include, for example, printer 103 connecting to access point 102. However, the randomization conditions may also be other conditions, such as the elapsed time.

[0028] The MAC address randomization function is a function established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It assigns MAC addresses to devices that are generated according to rules established by the IEEE. Hereinafter, a MAC address generated as a random value by the MAC address randomization function will be referred to as a random MAC address. A MAC address that is not randomly generated by the MAC address randomization function and has a fixed value that is not changed will be referred to as a fixed MAC address. When the MAC address randomization function is enabled, printer 103 periodically randomizes the MAC addresses associated with its wireless LAN interface 256 and wired LAN interface 257. That is, a random MAC address will be used as the MAC address assigned to the printer 103's communication unit. The printer 103 will then provide this random MAC address to external devices.

[0029] The MAC address assigned to the communication unit of printer 103 contains information indicating a random MAC address. A MAC address is represented by a 12-digit hexadecimal alphanumeric string and a delimiter such as ":" (for example, 1A:2B:3C:4D:5E:6F). The two alphanumeric characters separated by the delimiter in a MAC address are called octets. The IEEE defines a random MAC address as one in which the second bit of the binary representation of the value of the first octet (1A in the example above) is 1. Specifically, a MAC address in which the second bit of the binary representation of the value of the first octet is 1 is, for example, a MAC address in which the value of the first octet ends with one of the values ​​2, 6, A, or E. Since random MAC addresses are defined as described above, a fixed MAC address is one in which the value of the first octet ends with a value other than 2, 6, A, or E.

[0030] Then, for example, when connecting to AP102, the printer 103 changes its MAC address. Specifically, for example, when the printer 103 is directly connected to PC101 without going through AP102, and then changes the connection destination from PC101 to AP102, it changes the MAC address set on the wireless interface 256.

[0031] Furthermore, when the MAC addresses associated with the wireless LAN interface 256 and the wired LAN interface 257 are randomized, the MAC addresses stored in the MIB information 261 are also randomized in conjunction. In this way, the printer 103 can prevent the leakage of user location information by periodically randomizing the MAC address set on the wireless interface 256. Also, for example, suppose a user connects the printer 103 to a public Wi-Fi hotspot and communicates, and that communication is intercepted by a third party, who then learns the MAC address. Even in such a case, the printer 103 randomizes the MAC address during the next communication, so the third party who intercepted the communication cannot recognize the presence of the same user. Therefore, user privacy can be protected. In the following description, the MAC address associated with the wireless LAN interface 256 may simply be referred to as the MAC address of the printer 103. In this embodiment, the printer 103 has multiple modes for communicating using the wireless LAN interface 256. Specifically, for example, the printer 103 has a mode for communication via direct connection, an infrastructure connection mode, and a wireless configuration mode. In this embodiment, the printer 103 is assumed to have multiple MAC addresses corresponding to each mode. Therefore, when the MAC address randomization function is enabled, the multiple MAC addresses corresponding to each mode are assumed to be randomized when the randomization conditions are met.

[0032] Furthermore, ROM253 also stores a unique SSID that is uniquely set for printer 103. This unique SSID is determined by the manufacturer and model of printer 103. The wireless LAN interface 256 of printer 103 can operate as an AP corresponding to this unique SSID. Therefore, PC 101 can connect directly to printer 103 operating as an AP, just as it would when connecting to AP102. Hereafter, in this embodiment, the unique SSID that is uniquely set for printer 103 will be referred to as the printer 103's SSID.

[0033] RAM258 consists of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and other components that require a backup power supply. Since RAM258's data is held by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, important data such as program control variables can be stored without being lost. RAM258 also includes a memory area for storing printer 103 settings and management data. Furthermore, RAM258 is used as both the main memory and work memory for CPU252.

[0034] The display device 259 displays various information such as data display and notification of the printer 103 status via a user interface screen, and is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal panel) and an LED (light-emitting diode).

[0035] The input interface 260 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user, and consists of a physical keyboard, buttons, touch panel, etc. Alternatively, the display device 259 and the input interface 260 may have the same configuration, allowing for screen output and user operation reception using the same configuration.

[0036] The printing unit 262 is configured to perform, for example, an inkjet printing process, ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank from a print head to record an image on a recording medium such as paper. The printing unit 262 may also be configured to perform other printing processes such as electrophotography. The printer 103 also includes a print control unit (not shown). The print control unit performs various image processing on the image data to be printed, such as smoothing, print density correction, and color correction, and outputs the processed image data to the printing unit 262. The print control unit can also periodically read information from the printing unit 262 and update status information, including the remaining amount of ink in the ink tanks and the status of the print head, which is stored in the RAM 258.

[0037] <About the direct connection method> Direct connection refers to a wireless connection between devices that is directly connected (i.e., peer-to-peer) without the need for external devices such as AP102. Direct connection is also called peer-to-peer connection (P2P connection). Printer 103 can operate in a mode for communication via direct connection (direct connection mode) as one of its connection modes. In Wi-Fi communication, there are multiple modes for communication via direct connection, such as software AP mode and Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode.

[0038] The mode in which a direct connection is performed using WFD is called WFD mode. WFD is a standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is included in the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. In WFD mode, after the device to be communicated with is discovered using a device discovery command, the roles of the P2P group owner (GO) and the P2P client are determined, and then the remaining wireless connection processing is performed. The group owner corresponds to the Wi-Fi base station (access point), and the client corresponds to the Wi-Fi slave station (slave device). This role determination corresponds to GO Negotiation in P2P, for example. In WFD mode before the role determination is performed, printer 103 is neither a base station nor a slave station. Specifically, first, one device issues a device discovery command to the other device to search for a device to connect to in WFD mode. Once the other device to be communicated with is discovered, the two devices confirm information about the services and functions that can be supplied by each other. Note that this confirmation of device supply information is optional and not mandatory. This device supply information confirmation phase corresponds, for example, to P2P Provision Discovery. Next, by confirming this device supply information with each other, it is determined which will be the P2P client and which will be the P2P group owner. Once the client and group owner are determined, they exchange parameters for communication using WFD. Based on the exchanged parameters, the remaining wireless connection processing and IP connection processing are carried out between the P2P client and group owner. In WFD mode, the printer 103 may always operate as GO without performing the GO Negotiation described above. In other words, the printer 103 may operate in WFD mode, which is Autonomous GO mode. Furthermore, the state in which the printer 103 is operating in WFD mode is, for example, a state in which the printer 103 is operating as GO even though a WFD connection has not been established, or a state in which the printer 103 is operating as GO even though a WFD connection has been established.

[0039] In the software AP mode, between devices that communicate (for example, PC 101 and printer 103), one device (for example, PC 101) serves as a client that requests various services. And the other device realizes the function of an AP in Wi-Fi through software settings. The software AP corresponds to the parent station of Wi-Fi, and the client corresponds to the child station of Wi-Fi. In the software AP mode, the client searches for the device that becomes the software AP using a device search command. When the software AP is searched, after going through the remaining wireless connection processes (establishment of wireless connection, etc.) between the client and the software AP, then the IP connection process (assignment of IP address, etc.) is performed. Regarding the commands and parameters transmitted and received when realizing a wireless connection between the client and the software AP, those defined in the Wi-Fi standard may be used, and the description here is omitted.

[0040] In this embodiment, when the printer 103 establishes and maintains a direct connection, it operates as the parent station within the network to which the printer 103 belongs. Note that the parent station is a device that constructs a wireless network and is a device that provides parameters used for connection to the wireless network to the child stations. The parameters used for connection to the wireless network are, for example, parameters regarding the channel used by the parent station. The child station receives the said parameters and uses the channel used by the parent station to connect to the wireless network constructed by the parent station. In the direct connection mode, since the printer 103 operates as the parent station, it is possible for the printer 103 to determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in the direct connection mode. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the printer 103 can use channels corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and channels corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the direct connection mode.

[0041] <Regarding Wi-Fi communication (Infrastructure connection mode)> In order to establish an infrastructure-based connection (infrastructure connection) in Wi-Fi communication, the printer 103 in this embodiment operates in infrastructure connection mode. In this embodiment, infrastructure connection refers to a configuration in which an external device that manages the network, such as AP102, operates as a master station, and devices are wirelessly connected to each other via this master station. When the printer 103 is operating in infrastructure connection mode, it operates as a slave device within the network to which the printer 103 belongs. In infrastructure connection mode, the printer 103 and PC 101 are connected via AP102, and communication between the printer 103 and PC 101 is possible via AP102. The channel used for communication in this infrastructure connection mode may be a frequency band other than 2.4 GHz (e.g., 5.0 GHz band). In order for PC 101 to communicate with the printer 103 via AP102, it needs to recognize that the printer 103 belongs to the network formed by AP102, to which PC 101 belongs. Specifically, PC101 sends a search signal via AP102 to the network to which PC101 belongs and confirms communication with printer103. In this embodiment, the state in which PC101 and printer103 are simply connected to the same AP is considered an infrastructure connection state. That is, in an infrastructure connection state, PC101 and printer103 only need to be connected to the same AP and do not need to be aware that the other device is on the same network to which they belong.

[0042] <About Wireless Settings Mode> The printer 103 can operate in wireless setup mode, which is a mode for performing the wireless connection process described later. The trigger for the printer 103 to start operating in wireless setup mode may be, for example, the user pressing a button for wireless setup mode, or the printer 103 being started (powered on) for the first time after delivery. The button for wireless setup mode may be a hardware button on the printer 103, or a software button displayed on the display device 147 by the printer 103. When the printer 103 starts operating in wireless setup mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, as part of the process of enabling Wi-Fi communication, the printer 103 enables an internal AP (wireless setup AP) dedicated to wireless setup mode. This makes the printer 103 capable of establishing a direct Wi-Fi connection with the PC 101. The connection information (SSID and password) for connecting to the wireless configuration AP is pre-stored in the wireless configuration program 203 installed on PC101, and PC101 is assumed to be aware of this connection information in advance. Therefore, unlike the connection information for the AP enabled in direct connection mode, the connection information for connecting to the wireless configuration AP cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. It is also possible that the wireless configuration AP does not have an encryption method set and does not require a password to connect to it. Furthermore, in wireless configuration mode, the printer 103 may connect to PC101 via WFD instead of normal Wi-Fi. That is, the printer 103 may operate as the Group Owner and receive configuration commands from PC101 via WFD communication.

[0043] <Regarding wireless setup procedures> In this embodiment, PC101 performs the settings (wireless settings) for operating printer 103 in infrastructure connection mode using wireless communication with printer 103. The wireless setting process in this embodiment is performed by wireless communication and is therefore also called cableless setup (CLS). However, the wireless setting process may also be performed by wired communication. Printer 103 executes the wireless setting instruction process while operating in wireless setting mode, which is the mode for executing the wireless setting process. PC101 performs the wireless setting process when the wireless setting program 203 is running. The wireless setting program 203 is an application program that configures the AP to which printer 103 is connected and causes printer 103 to print image data, document data, etc. from PC101.

[0044] The wireless setup program 203 may have functions other than those for executing wireless setup processing, which is the process of setting the AP to which the printer 103 is connected by sending wireless setup instructions (setting commands) to the printer 103, and for instructing the printer 103 to print. For example, if the printer 103 has a scanning function, the wireless setup program 203 may have functions for scanning documents placed in the printer 103, functions for configuring other settings of the printer 103, and functions for checking the status of the printer 103. Also, the wireless setup program 203 may have functions for executing wireless setup processing, but does not have to have functions for instructing the printer 103 to print. Specifically, the function for instructing the printer 103 to print is the function for sending a print job to the printer 103 to initiate printing. Specifically, the function for scanning documents placed in the printer 103 is the function for sending a scan job to the printer 103 to initiate scanning. Furthermore, the function to check the status of printer 103 specifically refers to the function of obtaining and displaying information indicating the status of printer 103 from printer 103. Also, the wireless setting program 203 is assumed to be an application program.

[0045] Furthermore, in the following, the processing performed by the wireless configuration program 203 is actually realized by the CPU 201 reading the wireless configuration program 203 stored in ROM 202 into RAM 206 and executing it. When PC 101 connects AP 102 and printer 103 and operates printer 103 in infrastructure connection mode, it wirelessly transmits a wireless configuration instruction (infrastructure configuration command) to printer 103 to operate printer 103 in infrastructure connection mode. The wireless configuration instruction includes, for example, information about AP 102. This information about AP 102 includes, for example, the SSID of AP 102, the password for connecting to AP 102, and information about the frequency band used by AP 102. After the wireless configuration process establishes a Wi-Fi infrastructure connection between PC 101 and printer 103, communication becomes possible between PC 101 and printer 103 via the established connection. Specifically, for example, PC101 can send print jobs to printer103 to initiate printing, or scan jobs to initiate scanning, via the established connection. Furthermore, once the infrastructure connection is established, printer103 can communicate via the internet through AP102. As an example, printer103 can receive device update notifications from a specific server, download print data, or upload information about itself.

[0046] In this way, PC101 can communicate with printer 103 via AP102 by executing wireless configuration processing using wireless configuration program 203. During wireless configuration processing, PC101 sends a wireless configuration instruction to printer 103 and then searches for printer 103 via AP102. PC101 uses identifiers such as MAC addresses to identify whether the printer 103 that sent the wireless configuration instruction and the printer 103 found via AP102 are the same device. Specifically, when PC101 establishes a temporary connection with the printer in wireless configuration mode, it obtains the MAC address of printer 103 from printer 103. Then, after sending the wireless configuration instruction, PC101 searches for printer 103 connected to AP102 and obtains the MAC address of printer 103 again from printer 103. Finally, PC101 checks whether the MAC address of the printer obtained when establishing a temporary connection with the printer in wireless configuration mode matches the MAC address of the printer obtained via AP102. Then, if these MAC addresses match, PC101 recognizes that the printer 103 that sent the wireless setup instructions and the printer 103 discovered via AP102 are the same device. In other words, PC101 can confirm that it is able to communicate with printer 103 via AP102.

[0047] However, as mentioned above, printer 103 may have a MAC address randomization function. In such cases, when printer 103 receives a wireless setup instruction from PC 101 and connects to AP 102, it randomizes its MAC address. As a result, the MAC address of printer 103 obtained by PC 101 when it temporarily established a connection with the printer in wireless setup mode does not match the MAC address of printer 103 obtained via AP 102. Therefore, PC 101 cannot determine whether printer 103 has successfully connected to AP 102.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, PC101 could register the original MAC address or another identifier in MIB information 261 as an identifier for identifying printer 103. However, MIB is a standard for managing network devices, and MIB information 261 is information that can be accessed by third parties. Therefore, registering fixed information that can identify an individual in the MIB would deviate from the privacy protection objective of randomizing MAC addresses.

[0049] In this embodiment, in a communication system including a PC 101 and a printer 103, the PC 101 and the printer 103 operate as follows: The PC 101 establishes a P2P connection with the printer 103, which is operating in wireless setting mode. When the P2P connection is established, the PC 101 requests the printer 103 to provide its MAC address. The printer 103 starts operating in wireless setting mode. When the printer 103 receives a request for its MAC address from the PC 101, it sends its MAC address to the PC 101. When the printer 103 receives a request for its MAC address from the PC 101, it controls the printer 103 so that its MAC address is not randomized, based on the fact that the MAC address randomization function is enabled and in a specific state.

[0050] This configuration prevents the randomization of the MAC address of the printer 103 between the time the PC 101 first requests the MAC address from the printer 103 and the time the printer requests the MAC address again for identification. In other words, when communicating between the PC 101 and the printer 103, which has a MAC address randomization function, appropriate control can be performed regarding the randomization of the printer 103's MAC address.

[0051] The following describes the processes performed by the PC101 and printer103 in this embodiment. First, refer to Figure 3(a). Figure 3(a) is a flowchart showing an example of the wireless setup process performed by the PC101 in this embodiment. This flowchart is realized when the CPU201 reads the wireless setup program 203 stored in the ROM202 into the RAM206 and executes it. Here, it is assumed that the PC101 is already connected to the external AP102. Also, it is assumed that the PC101 has stored the AP102's SSID and password in the wireless profile 204.

[0052] In S301, PC101 starts the wireless setup instruction processing when it receives a startup instruction (user operation) for the wireless setup program 203 via the display device 208. PC101 may also receive a startup instruction for the wireless setup program 203 via, for example, the input interface 209.

[0053] In S302, PC101 searches for printer 103 operating in wireless setup mode. Specifically, PC101 searches for beacons transmitted by printer 103 operating in wireless setup mode. The beacon transmitted by printer 103 operating in wireless setup mode contains the printer 103's SSID as information. The printer 103's SSID includes a name that indicates it is printer 103 operating in wireless setup mode. For example, let's explain using the SSID "TS8xxx_SETUP_mmnnn". The string "SETUP" in the SSID "TS8xxx_SETUP_mmnnn" indicates that printer 103 named "TS8xxx" is an AP operating in wireless setup mode. Also, considering the possibility of multiple printers 103 of the same product, the SSID includes a unique printer 103 identification number (hereinafter referred to as the serial number) in the format "mmnnn".

[0054] In S303, PC101 determines whether it was able to detect printer 103, which is operating in wireless setting mode. If PC101 determines that it was detected, it proceeds to S304. On the other hand, if PC101 determines that it was not detected, it proceeds to S305.

[0055] In S304, PC101 executes an automatic connection process to connect printer 103 to AP102. Refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic connection process 1 executed by PC101 in S304 of Figure 3(a).

[0056] In S401, PC101 starts automatic connection process 1. In S402, PC101 disconnects the wireless connection between PC101 and AP102.

[0057] In S403, PC101 establishes a P2P connection to printer 103, which is operating in wireless configuration mode. Specifically, PC101 connects its wireless LAN interface 211 to a wireless configuration AP corresponding to the printer 103's SSID. In other words, the S403 process establishes a direct connection between PC101 and printer 103 without going through AP102.

[0058] In S404, PC101 requests information from printer103 when a direct connection is established in S403. PC101 then receives a response to the request from printer103. The information that PC101 requests from printer103 includes an SSID list. The SSID list shows the access points (APs) that printer103 has searched. Further details will be described later.

[0059] Furthermore, in S404, PC101 requests the MAC address of printer 103, which is the identification information of printer 103, from printer 103 at the first timing. Specifically, PC101 obtains the MAC address of printer 103 from MIB information 261 by specifying the OID of MIB information 261 in SNMP. Therefore, the MAC address of printer 103 requested at the first timing corresponds to the MAC address of printer 103 transmitted from printer 103 at the first timing. PC101 can efficiently obtain the MAC address of printer 103 by specifying the OID. Communication in this process is performed via the direct connection established in S403. The MAC address of printer 103 obtained here is specifically the MAC address corresponding to the wireless setting mode. MAC addresses corresponding to other modes do not need to be obtained. In addition, PC101 also obtains the device ID from printer 103 in this process. The device ID is a common ID for each model of printer 103; in other words, it is the ID corresponding to the model of printer 103.

[0060] In S405, PC101 refers to wireless profile 204. PC101 then retrieves wireless profile 204, which includes the SSID of AP102 that was connected at the start of wireless setup process 1 and whose wireless connection was disconnected in S402.

[0061] In S406, PC101 checks whether the SSID of AP102, obtained from wireless profile 204 in S405, is included in the SSID list obtained from printer 103 in S404.

[0062] In S407, PC101 determines whether or not to instruct printer 103 to configure wireless settings. If PC101 determines to do so, it proceeds to S408. On the other hand, if PC101 determines not to do so, it proceeds to S409. Specifically, if PC101 confirms in S405 that AP102's SSID is included in the SSID list, it determines to instruct to configure wireless settings. If PC101 confirms in S405 that AP102's SSID is not included in the SSID list, it determines not to instruct to configure wireless settings.

[0063] In S408, PC101 instructs printer103 to configure wireless settings. Specifically, in S408, PC101 sends information about AP102 (AP103's SSID and AP102's password) to printer103. In other words, PC101 instructs printer103 to connect to AP102.

[0064] In S409, PC101 disconnects the P2P connection between PC101 and printer 103 and reconnects to AP102. The wireless profile 204 of AP102 is stored in ROM202 of PC101. Therefore, in S409, PC101 can reconnect to AP102 without requiring the user to re-enter passwords or other information.

[0065] In S410, if PC101 has any wireless profiles that temporarily remain from a P2P connection with printer 103, it deletes those wireless profiles. This process in S410 is performed to prevent wireless profiles from remaining for connections unintended by the user.

[0066] In S411, PC101 terminates automatic connection process 1.

[0067] Refer to Figure 3(a) again. In S305, PC101 displays a wireless connection method guidance screen 801 on the display device 208. Refer to Figure 8(a). Figure 8(a) shows an example of the guidance screen 801 that PC101 displays on the display device 208 in S305. The guidance screen 801 displays a message prompting the user to refer to the manual and wirelessly connect the printer 103 to AP102. If PC101 has not detected the printer 103 in wireless setting mode (NO in S303), it cannot send a wireless setting instruction to the printer 103. Therefore, PC101 notifies the user to operate the printer 103 to connect to AP102. The guidance screen 801 also displays a message prompting the user to press button 802 when the printer 103 is wirelessly connected to AP102. The guidance screen 801 also displays button 802. Button 802 is an interface that can receive user instructions to proceed to S306. When button 801 is pressed, PC101 proceeds to S306.

[0068] In S306, PC101 performs a connection confirmation process to check whether printer 103 is connected to AP102. Refer to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic connection process 1 performed by PC101 in S306 of Figure 3(a).

[0069] In S501, PC101 starts the connection confirmation process. In S502, PC101 searches for printer 103 via AP102. Specifically, PC101 first obtains the MAC address corresponding to the infrastructure connection mode, the device ID, and the IP address from all printers 103 belonging to the network formed by AP102. This discovers all printers 103 belonging to the network formed by AP102. Then, from the list of discovered printers, PC101 identifies one printer whose device ID matches the device ID obtained in S404. In other words, PC101 identifies one printer from the list of discovered printers that corresponds to the model of the device ID obtained in S404. Then, PC101 sends a request for the MAC address corresponding to the wireless setting mode to the printer 103 identified as described above, via AP102, using the MAC address and IP address corresponding to the infrastructure connection mode. PC101 then obtains the MAC address corresponding to the wireless setting mode as the MAC address of printer 103. In other words, PC101 requests the MAC address of printer 103 from printer 103 at a second timing, which occurs after the first timing. Specifically, PC101 obtains the MAC address associated with wireless LANIF256 from MIB information261 by specifying the OID using SNMP. Therefore, the MAC address of printer 103 requested at the second timing corresponds to the MAC address of printer 103 transmitted from printer 103 at the second timing. This allows PC101 to efficiently obtain the MAC address of printer 103.

[0070] In S503, PC101 checks whether the MAC address of printer 103 has already been obtained through the process in S404.

[0071] In S504, PC101 uses the confirmation result from S503 to determine whether or not it obtained the MAC address of printer 103 in the process of S404. If PC101 determines that it did obtain the MAC address, it proceeds to S505. On the other hand, if PC101 determines that it did not obtain the MAC address, it proceeds to S509.

[0072] In S505, PC101 performs a MAC address matching check. Specifically, PC101 compares the MAC address obtained in S502 with the MAC address obtained in S404 to check if these MAC addresses match.

[0073] In S506, PC101 determines whether the MAC address obtained in S502 matches the MAC address obtained in S404. If PC101 determines they match, it proceeds to S507. On the other hand, if PC101 determines they do not match, it proceeds to S508. Note that if the printer 103 that sent its MAC address to PC101 in S502 is the same as the printer 103 that sent its MAC address to PC101 in S404, the MAC address randomization function of printer 103 is disabled, and therefore, in this determination, they will be judged as matching. Conversely, if the printer 103 that sent its MAC address to PC101 in S502 is not the same as the printer 103 that sent its MAC address to PC101 in S404, then in this determination, they will be judged as not matching. Note that the comparison in S505 may be performed using a MAC address corresponding to a mode other than the MAC address corresponding to the wireless setting mode. In that case, S502 and S404 will acquire MAC addresses corresponding to other modes.

[0074] In S507, PC101 determines that printer 103 has established a wireless infrastructure connection with AP102 and determines that the connection is successful. If the connection is successful, PC101 may perform the process of installing the printer driver corresponding to printer 103. Specifically, for example, it may install an installer for the printer driver corresponding to printer 103, or install the printer driver using the installer.

[0075] In S508, PC101 determines that printer 103 could not establish a wireless infrastructure connection with AP102 and determines that the connection failed. If a connection failure is determined, PC101 does not execute the process to install the printer driver corresponding to printer 103.

[0076] In this way, during the wireless setup process, PC101 can determine whether or not the printer 103 has successfully connected to AP103 by comparing the two acquired MAC addresses.

[0077] On the other hand, if PC101 determines in S504 that it has not yet obtained the MAC address set for the wireless LAN interface 256 during processing in S404, it cannot compare MAC addresses as in S506. In other words, PC101 cannot use the MAC address to confirm whether or not printer 103 has successfully connected to AP103, and therefore executes the processes from S509 onwards.

[0078] In S509, PC101 displays the printer search results screen 811 on the display device 208. See Figure 8(b). Figure 8(b) shows an example of the search results screen 811 that PC101 displays on the display device 208 in S509 of Figure 5. The search results screen 811 displays a list display unit 812 and a message prompting the user to select a printer connected to AP103 from the list display unit 812.

[0079] The list section 812 displays, for example, the device names and MAC addresses of the discovered printers as a user-selectable list when PC101 searches for printers via AP103 in S502. For example, if the user follows the instructions on the guidance screen 801 displayed by PC101 in S305 and is able to connect printer 103 to AP102, printer 103 will be displayed in the list section 812. In this embodiment, for example, if PC101 is unable to find printer 103 via AP102 in S502, it will also display the search results screen 811. In this case, the list of printer device names and MAC addresses will not be displayed in the list section 812.

[0080] Furthermore, the search results screen 811 displays buttons 813 and 814. Button 813 is an interface that can receive user instructions to proceed to S512. Button 814 is also an interface that can receive user instructions to proceed to S513.

[0081] In S510, PC101 accepts the user's selection of the printer 103 to be connected. PC101 accepts the user's selection of the printer 103 connected to AP102 based on the list section 812 of the search results screen 811 displayed in S509.

[0082] In S511, PC101 determines whether button 813 or button 814 was pressed. If PC101 determines that button 813 was pressed, it proceeds to S512. On the other hand, if PC101 determines that button 814 was pressed, it proceeds to S513.

[0083] In S512, PC101 determines that printer103 has been able to establish a wireless infrastructure connection with AP102 and determines that the connection is successful.

[0084] In S513, PC101 determines that printer 103 was unable to establish a wireless infrastructure connection with AP102 and determines that the connection failed. In other words, PC101 determines whether printer 103 successfully connected to AP102 based on the user operation on the search results screen 811.

[0085] In S514, PC101 terminates the connection confirmation process. After terminating the connection confirmation process, PC101 proceeds to S307 in Figure 3(a). In this embodiment, PC101 displays the search results screen 811 in S509 even if no printers were found in S502, but this is not limited to this. For example, if PC101 is unable to find any printers in S502, it may proceed to S513 without displaying the search results screen 811 in S509.

[0086] Refer to Figure 3(a) again. In S307, PC101 determines whether the printer 103 has successfully connected to AP102. That is, PC101 determines whether the printer 103 has been able to establish a wireless infrastructure connection with AP103. If PC101 determines that it has succeeded, it proceeds to S308. On the other hand, if PC101 determines that it has failed, it proceeds to S309. Specifically, PC101 makes this determination based on the result of the connection confirmation process in S306. If PC101 has gone through either process S507 or S512, it determines that it has succeeded, and if it has gone through either process S508 or S513, it determines that it has failed.

[0087] In S308, PC101 displays a connection success screen 821 on the display device 208. Figure 8(c) shows an example of the connection success screen 821 that PC101 displays on the display device 208 in S308. The connection success screen 821 displays a message indicating that the printer 103 has connected to AP103, and a button 822. Button 822 is an interface that can accept user instructions to terminate the wireless setup process. If button 822 is pressed, PC101 proceeds to S310 and terminates the wireless setup process.

[0088] In S309, PC101 displays a connection failure screen 831 on the display device 208. Figure 8(e) shows an example of the connection failure screen 831 that PC101 displays on the display device 208 in S309. The connection failure screen 831 displays a message indicating that the printer 103 could not connect to AP103, along with a button 832. Button 832 is an interface that can accept user instructions to terminate the wireless setup process. If button 832 is pressed, PC101 proceeds to S310 and terminates the wireless setup process.

[0089] In this way, PC101 controls the display of the screen shown on the display device 208 based on the result of the connection confirmation process. If the printer 103 successfully connects to AP102, PC101 notifies the user of the connection success with a connection success screen 821. On the other hand, if the printer 103 fails to connect to AP102, PC101 notifies the user of the connection failure with a connection failure screen 831. Through such notifications, the user can recognize the result of the printer 103's connection to AP102 (whether it was successful or not).

[0090] Next, refer to Figure 3(b). Figure 3(b) is a flowchart showing an example of the wireless connection process performed by the printer 103. This flowchart is realized when the CPU 252 reads the program 254 stored in the ROM 253 into the RAM 258 and executes it.

[0091] In S351, the printer 103 starts the wireless setup process based on the trigger described above.

[0092] In S352, the printer 103 searches for nearby SSIDs before entering wireless configuration mode. That is, the printer 103 searches for nearby access points (APs). Then, the printer 103 creates an SSID list that includes the detected SSIDs.

[0093] In S353, printer 103 starts operating in wireless configuration mode. Specifically, printer 103 operates the wireless LAN interface 256 as a wireless configuration AP. By starting to operate as a wireless configuration AP, printer 103 becomes capable of establishing a P2P connection with PC 101.

[0094] In this embodiment, the printer 103 searches for surrounding SSIDs before starting wireless setup mode, but this is not limited to this. For example, the printer 103 may search for surrounding SSIDs after starting wireless setup mode. Alternatively, the printer 103 may search for surrounding SSIDs when it receives an instruction from the PC 101 to do so.

[0095] In S354, the printer 103 performs a setup waiting process. Refer to Figure 6(a) here. Figure 6(a) is a flowchart showing an example of the setup waiting process 1 performed by the printer 103 in S354 of Figure 3(b).

[0096] In S601, printer 103 starts setting waiting process 1. In S602, printer 103 checks if it has received an information request from PC 101.

[0097] In S603, the printer 103 determines whether or not it has received an information request from the PC 101. If the printer 103 determines that it has received the request, it proceeds to S604. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines that it has not received the request, it proceeds to S606. To put it another way, receiving an information request from the PC 101 means that the printer 103 receives information from the PC 101 that the PC 101 needs to request (obtain) information from the printer 103.

[0098] In S604, printer 103 executes MAC address randomization pause process 1. Refer to Figure 6(b) here. Figure 6(b) is a flowchart showing an example of MAC address randomization pause process 1 performed by printer 103 in S604 of Figure 6(a). This process is executed based on the receipt of an information request from PC 101.

[0099] In S651, printer 103 initiates MAC address randomization pause process 1.

[0100] In S652, printer 103 verifies the information requested by PC 101.

[0101] In S653, printer 103 determines whether the information requested by PC 101 is the MAC address of printer 103. If printer 103 determines that it is a MAC address, it proceeds to S654. On the other hand, if printer 103 determines that it is not a MAC address, it proceeds to S660.

[0102] In S654, printer 103 checks whether its status is in wireless setting mode.

[0103] In S655, the printer 103 determines whether or not its state is in wireless setup mode. That is, the printer 103 determines whether or not its state is in a specific state. If the printer 103 determines that it is in wireless setup mode, it proceeds to S656. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines that it is not in wireless setup mode, it proceeds to S660.

[0104] In S656, printer 103 checks if the MAC address randomization function of printer 103 is enabled.

[0105] In S657, printer 103 determines whether its MAC address randomization function is enabled. If printer 103 determines that it is enabled, it proceeds to S656. On the other hand, if printer 103 determines that it is disabled, it proceeds to S660.

[0106] In S658, printer 103 temporarily disables the MAC address randomization function. In other words, printer 103 stops randomizing its own MAC address. As a result, the MAC address of printer 103 stored in MIB information 261 of ROM 253 will not be randomized even if the randomization conditions are met. That is, printer 103 controls itself so that its MAC address is not randomized even if the randomization conditions are met. In this process, printer 103 may also control itself so that all of its multiple MAC addresses are not randomized even if the randomization conditions are met. Alternatively, printer 103 may control itself so that at least one of its multiple MAC addresses is not randomized even if the randomization conditions are met. Furthermore, printer 103 may control itself so that all MAC addresses except at least one of its multiple MAC addresses are randomized based on the fact that the randomization conditions are met. Specifically, for example, printer 103 may be controlled so that only MAC addresses corresponding to the wireless setting mode are not randomized even if the randomization conditions are met, while MAC addresses corresponding to modes other than the wireless setting mode (such as the mode for communication via direct connection or the infrastructure connection mode) are randomized based on whether the randomization conditions are met.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the printer 103 receives a request for its MAC address from the PC 101 at the first timing, it controls the printer 103 so that its MAC address is not randomized based on the following conditions. In this embodiment, the conditions are that the printer 103 is operating in wireless setting mode (Yes in S655) and the randomization function of the printer 103's MAC address is enabled (Yes in S657). As a result, when the PC 101 requests the printer 103's MAC address again, the printer 103 can send the same printer 103 MAC address.

[0108] In the S659, the printer 103 stores the identification information (such as the MAC address) of the PC 101, which is the source of the MAC address request, in memory such as RAM 258.

[0109] At S660, the printer 103 terminates the MAC address randomization pause process 1. In this embodiment, the printer 103 performed the decisions in the MAC address randomization pause process in the order of S653, S655, and S657, but is not limited to this order, and decisions may be made in any order.

[0110] In S605, the printer 103 performs information transmission processing in response to a request from the PC 101. For example, if the PC 101 requests information including the MAC address, the printer 103 sends the list of SSIDs created in S352 and the MAC address of the printer 103 to the PC 101. As mentioned above, when the printer 103 executes S658, the MAC address randomization function is disabled. Therefore, until the printer 103 re-enables the MAC address randomization function, the MAC address that the printer 103 sends to the PC 101 will match the MAC address that the printer 103 holds in the MIB information 261.

[0111] In S606, printer 103 checks whether it has received a wireless setup command from PC 101.

[0112] In S607, the printer 103 determines whether or not it has received a wireless setup command from the PC 101. If the printer 103 determines that it has received the wireless setup command, it proceeds to S608 and terminates the setup waiting process 1 shown in Figure 6(a). On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines that it has not received the wireless setup command, it proceeds to S609.

[0113] In S609, printer 103 checks whether a P2P connection is maintained between printer 103 and PC 101.

[0114] In S610, the printer 103 determines whether a P2P connection is maintained between the printer 103 and the PC 101. If the printer 103 determines that the connection is maintained, it proceeds to process S602. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines that the connection is not maintained, it proceeds to process S611.

[0115] In S611, if the MAC address randomization function was disabled in the processing of S658, the printer 103 enables the MAC address randomization function. In other words, the printer 103 controls itself so that its MAC address is randomized again if the P2P connection between the printer 103 and the PC 101 is disconnected without receiving a wireless setting instruction. This control allows for prioritizing user privacy protection when it is not necessary to disable MAC address randomization for the printer 103.

[0116] In S612, if the printer 103 has the identification information of PC 101 (such as the MAC address) stored in memory such as RAM 258, it deletes the identification information of PC 101 (such as the MAC address). Then, the printer 103 returns to processing in S602.

[0117] In this embodiment, the printer 103 performed the determinations in the setting waiting process 1 in the order of S603, S607, and S610, but it is not limited to this order, and the determinations may be performed in any order. Also, in this embodiment, the MAC address randomization pause process 1 was executed based on the receipt of an information request from the PC 101, but it is not limited to this form. For example, the MAC address randomization pause process 1 may be executed based on the fact that the printer 103 started operating in wireless setting mode in S353.

[0118] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3(b), when printer 103 finishes the setup waiting process in S354, it executes the process in S355. In S355, printer 103 performs a connection process to AP102 based on the wireless setup instruction from PC101. Specifically, printer 103 attempts to connect to AP102 using the information about AP102 (AP102's SSID and password) included in the wireless setup instruction received from PC101.

[0119] In S356, the printer 103 determines whether it successfully connected to AP102. If the printer 103 determines that it was successful, it proceeds to S357. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines that it failed, it proceeds to S359.

[0120] In S357, printer 103 performs a request confirmation process, then proceeds to S358 and completes the process shown in Figure 3(b). The request confirmation process will be described in detail later.

[0121] In S359, if printer 103 temporarily disabled the MAC address randomization function in processing S658, it enables the MAC address randomization function. In other words, printer 103 restarts MAC address randomization. That is, printer 103 controls itself so that its MAC address is randomized again if it fails to connect to AP102. If printer 103 fails to connect to AP102 as instructed by PC101, it will not accept any further MAC address requests from PC101 via AP102. Therefore, printer 103 can prioritize user privacy protection by controlling itself so that its MAC address is randomized again in S359.

[0122] In S360, if printer 103 has stored PC101's identification information (such as MAC address) in memory such as RAM258, it will delete PC101's identification information (such as MAC address).

[0123] Now, refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the request confirmation process performed by the printer 103 in S357 of Figure 3(b).

[0124] In S701, printer 103 starts the request confirmation process. In S702, printer 103 checks whether it has received a request from PC 101 to obtain printer 103's MAC address.

[0125] In S703, printer 103 determines whether or not it has received a request for its MAC address from PC 101. If printer 103 determines that it has received the request, it proceeds to S704. On the other hand, if printer 103 determines that it has not received the acquisition request, it proceeds to S710.

[0126] In S704, printer 103 sends its MAC address to PC 101. That is, printer 103 connects to AP 102, and when PC 101 requests printer 103's MAC address at the second timing, printer 103 sends its MAC address to PC 103 via AP 102.

[0127] In S705, printer 103 checks the destination of the MAC address request for printer 103. Specifically, printer 103 obtains identification information (such as the MAC address) of the destination of the MAC address request for printer 103.

[0128] In S706, printer 103 determines whether the MAC address request is for PC 101. If printer 103 determines it is for PC 101, it proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if printer 103 determines it is not for PC 101, it proceeds to S702. Specifically, printer 103 compares the identification information obtained in S705 with the identification information of PC 101 stored in the processing of S659, and determines if these identification pieces of information match. This allows printer 103 to determine whether the PC 101 that requested printer 103's MAC address via AP 102 is the same PC as the PC 101 that was connected at the time of S659.

[0129] In S707, printer 103 enables the MAC address randomization function, which was temporarily disabled in the S658 process. In other words, printer 103 restarts MAC address randomization. Specifically, printer 103 controls itself so that if its MAC address is sent to printer 103 via AP102, printer 103's MAC address is randomized again. This control prevents printer 103's MAC address randomization function from remaining disabled. This process is executed based on the YES determination in S703, the transmission of the MAC address in S704, and the YES determination in S706.

[0130] In S708, printer 103 deletes the identification information (such as the MAC address) of PC 101 that it had stored in memory such as RAM 258. Then, in S709, printer 103 terminates the request waiting process.

[0131] In the S710, printer 103 checks the time elapsed since the MAC address request confirmation was performed. In other words, printer 103 sets a timeout in the process of accepting a MAC address request.

[0132] In S711, the printer 103 determines whether the time elapsed since the MAC address request confirmation has exceeded a predetermined threshold time. In other words, the printer 103 determines whether a timeout has occurred in the MAC address request confirmation. If the printer 103 determines that the threshold time has been exceeded, it proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines that the threshold time has not been exceeded, it proceeds to S702. The predetermined threshold time is set to, for example, a statistically calculated time that does not cause stress to the user.

[0133] Thus, printer 103 initiates a MAC address request check in S702, and if a predetermined threshold time has elapsed, proceeds to S707 to enable the MAC address randomization function (restarts MAC address randomization). In other words, if printer 103 does not receive a request for its MAC address from PC 101 after connecting to AP 102, printer 103 controls itself to randomize its MAC address again. This control prevents the MAC address randomization function from remaining disabled.

[0134] Refer to Figure 3(b) again. In S358, the printer 103 terminates the wireless setup process.

[0135] In this embodiment, the MAC address randomization function of printer 103 is disabled in S658, but this is not the only option. As described above, the MAC address of printer 103 stored in MIB information 261 of ROM 253 is randomized in conjunction with the MAC address randomization function of printer 103. Therefore, in S658, printer 103 may be controlled so that the MAC address of printer 103 stored in MIB information 261 of ROM 253 is not randomized. In other words, in S658, printer 103 may stop updating MIB information 261. In this case, the MAC address randomization function of printer 103 remains enabled, making it easier to protect user privacy. Also, in the case where printer 103 stops updating MIB information 261 in S658, it resumes updating MIB information 261 in processes S359, S611, and S707.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 103 re-enables the MAC address randomization function in processes S359, S611, and S707, but it may also be controlled in the following manner, for example.

[0137] The printer 103 may, for example, re-enable the MAC address randomization function in processes S359, S611, and S707, and randomize the MAC address of the printer 103 stored in the MIB information 261 of the ROM 253. In this configuration, user privacy can be protected even when the printer 103 temporarily disables the MAC address randomization function.

[0138] Furthermore, the printer 103 may, for example, determine whether MAC address randomization is disabled before re-enabling the MAC address randomization function in each of the processes S359, S611, and S707. For example, if the printer 103 determines in S359 that MAC address randomization is disabled, it may enable MAC address randomization and proceed to S360. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines in S359 that MAC address randomization is not disabled, it may proceed to S358. Also, if the printer 103 determines in S611 that MAC address randomization is disabled, it may enable MAC address randomization and proceed to S612. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines in S611 that MAC address randomization is not disabled, it may proceed to S602. Also, if the printer 103 determines in S707 that MAC address randomization is disabled, it may enable MAC address randomization and proceed to S708. On the other hand, for example, if printer 103 determines in S707 that MAC address randomization is not disabled, it may proceed to S709. In this configuration, printer 103 can skip processing if it determines that MAC address randomization is not disabled.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MAC address randomization function is temporarily disabled when the printer 103 is in wireless setting mode, but this is not limited to this. For example, the MAC address randomization function may be temporarily disabled on the condition that the printer 103 is performing connection settings by another method such as WEC (Wi-Fi Easy Connect).

[0140] As described above, according to the embodiment, when the printer 103 is connected to the PC 101 via P2P and the PC 101 requests the MAC address of the printer 103, the printer 103 controls itself so that its MAC address is not randomized if the following conditions are met. In this embodiment, the conditions are that the printer 103 is operating in wireless setup mode and the printer 103's MAC address randomization function is enabled. This configuration prevents the printer 103's MAC address from being randomized between the time the PC 101 first requests the MAC address and the time it requests the MAC address again for identification. Therefore, when the PC 101 performs wireless setup on the printer 103 which has a MAC address randomization function, the printer 103 can be identified. Furthermore, since the printer 103 enables the MAC address randomization function after wireless setup, user privacy can continue to be protected.

[0141] In the above description, the MAC address of printer 103 is obtained in S404 via the direct connection established in S403, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the MAC address of printer 103 may be obtained in S302 from a beacon transmitted by printer 103 operating in wireless setting mode. In this configuration, the MAC address of printer 103 transmitted from printer 103 at the first timing corresponds to the MAC address of printer 103 transmitted from printer 103 via the beacon at the first timing. The MAC address of printer 103 included in the beacon is the MAC address corresponding to wireless setting mode, and MAC addresses corresponding to other modes are not included in the beacon. Therefore, in this configuration, the comparison in S505 is performed using the MAC address corresponding to wireless setting mode. Also in this configuration, even if printer 103 is determined to be YES in S603, S604 is not executed and the system proceeds to S605. The process of temporarily suspending MAC address randomization (process S658) is executed before the direct connection is established in S403, based on the fact that the printer 103 has started operating in wireless setting mode. Also, in the process described above as referring to the MAC address of the printer 103 obtained in S404 (S503-S506), the MAC address of the printer 103 obtained from the beacon is referred to instead of the MAC address of the printer 103 obtained in S404.

[0142] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will now be described in terms of its differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the printer 103 temporarily disabled the MAC address randomization function when the printer 103 was in wireless setting mode. However, the printer 103 may disable the MAC address randomization function if a MAC address request is received from an external device other than the PC 101. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printer 103 temporarily disables the MAC address randomization function when it is in permission mode, which allows the printer to disable the MAC address randomization function. Then, when the PC 101 requests the MAC address of the printer 103, it issues an instruction to put the printer into permission mode. With this configuration, the printer 103 can be prevented from stopping the MAC address randomization function even if only the MAC address is requested from an external device other than the PC 101. In other words, the printer 103 can stop the MAC address randomization function at a more appropriate timing.

[0143] First, refer to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic connection process 2 that PC101 executes in S304 of Figure 3(a) in this embodiment.

[0144] Since steps S901 to S903 in Figure 9 are the same as steps S401 to S403 in Figure 4, their explanation will be omitted.

[0145] In S904, PC101 instructs printer103 to switch to a mode that allows the MAC address randomization function to be disabled (hereinafter referred to as a transition instruction). In this embodiment, printer103 can be set to an authorized mode (authorized state) that allows the MAC address randomization function to be disabled, for example. If printer103 is in authorized mode, for example, when printer103's MAC address is requested, it will stop the MAC address randomization function. In other words, the transition instruction can be said to be an instruction to printer103 to stop MAC address randomization. On the other hand, if printer103 is not in authorized mode, it will not disable the MAC address randomization function even if printer103's MAC address is requested. Therefore, in this embodiment, PC101 issues a transition instruction to printer103 to switch printer103 to authorized mode before requesting printer103's MAC address at the first timing (S905).

[0146] Since steps S905 to S912 in Figure 9 are the same as steps S404 to S411 in Figure 4, their explanation will be omitted.

[0147] Next, refer to Figure 10(a). Figure 10(a) is a flowchart showing an example of the setting waiting process 2 that the printer 103 executes at S354 in Figure 3(b) in this embodiment.

[0148] Note that steps S1001 to S1002 in Figure 10(a) are the same as steps S601 to S602 in Figure 6(a), so their explanations are omitted.

[0149] In S1003, the printer 103 determines whether or not it has received an information request from the PC 101. If the printer 103 determines that it has received the request, it proceeds to S10004. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines that it has not received the request, it proceeds to S1006.

[0150] In S1004, printer 103 executes MAC address randomization pause process 2. MAC address randomization pause process 2 will be described in detail later. S1005 is the same as the process in S605, so the explanation is omitted.

[0151] In S1006, printer 103 checks if it has received a migration instruction from PC 101.

[0152] In S1007, the printer 103 determines whether or not it has received a migration instruction from the PC 101. If the printer 103 determines that it has received the instruction, it proceeds to S1008. On the other hand, if the printer 103 determines that it has not received the instruction, it proceeds to S1011.

[0153] In S1008, printer 103 checks if its status is in permission mode.

[0154] In S1009, printer 103 determines whether its state is in permission mode or not. That is, printer 103 determines whether its state is in a specific state or not. If printer 103 determines that it is not in permission mode, the process proceeds to S1010. On the other hand, if printer 103 determines that it is in permission mode, the process proceeds to S1011.

[0155] In S1010, printer 103 sets its status to permission mode based on receiving a migration instruction from PC 101.

[0156] Since steps S1011 to S1017 are the same as those in steps S607 to S612, their explanation will be omitted.

[0157] Refer to Figure 10(b). Figure 10(b) is a flowchart showing an example of MAC address randomization pause processing 2 performed by printer 103 in S1004 of Figure 10(a). Note that S1051 to S1053 in Figure 10(b) are the same as the processing in S651 to S653 in Figure 6(b), so their explanation is omitted.

[0158] In S1054, printer 103 checks whether its status is in permission mode.

[0159] In S1055, printer 103 determines whether its state is in permission mode or not. That is, printer 103 determines whether its state is in a specific state or not. If printer 103 determines that it is in permission mode, the process proceeds to S1056. On the other hand, if printer 103 determines that it is not in permission mode, the process proceeds to S1060. Since S1056 to S1057 are the same as S656 to S657, their explanation is omitted.

[0160] In S1058, the printer 103 temporarily disables the MAC address randomization function. Thus, in this embodiment, when the printer 103 is requested from the PC 101 at the first timing, the printer 103 controls itself so that its MAC address is not randomized based on the following conditions. In this embodiment, the conditions are that the printer 103 is in an authorized mode that allows the disabling of the MAC address randomization function (Yes in S1055), and that the MAC address randomization function of the printer 103 is enabled (Yes in S1057). By requiring the printer 103 to be in authorized mode, it is possible to prevent the MAC address randomization function from being stopped when only the MAC address of the printer 103 is requested from an external device other than the PC 101.

[0161] In S1059, printer 103 stores the identification information (such as the MAC address) of PC 101, which is the destination of the MAC address request, in memory such as RAM 258.

[0162] In S1061, printer 103 disables the permission mode. This prevents printer 103 from disabling the MAC address randomization function if it is requested by an external device other than PC 101.

[0163] In this embodiment, the printer 103 made decisions in the order of S1003, S1007, S1009, S1012, and S1015, but it is not limited to this order and may make decisions in any order. Also, the printer 103 made decisions in the order of S1053, S1055, and S1057, but it is not limited to this order and may make decisions in any order.

[0164] In this embodiment, the printer 103 proceeds to S1056 when it determines in S1055 that the printer 103 is in permission mode, but this is not limited to this. For example, when the printer 103 determines in S1055 that the printer 103 is in permission mode, it may also determine whether the printer 103 is in wireless setting mode or not. Then, the printer 103 may proceed to S1056 if it determines that it is in wireless setting mode. Alternatively, the printer 103 may proceed to S1060 if it determines that it is not in wireless setting mode.

[0165] As described above, according to the embodiment, when the printer 103 receives a request for its MAC address while in an authorized mode in which it is possible to disable the MAC address randomization function, it disables the MAC address randomization function. In addition, when the PC 101 requests the MAC address of the printer 103, it sends a transition instruction to the printer 103 to switch to authorized mode. With this configuration, the printer 103 can prevent itself from disabling the MAC address randomization function if it receives a request for its MAC address from an external device other than the PC 101 before receiving the transition instruction from the PC 101. In other words, the printer 103 can disable its MAC address randomization function at a more appropriate timing.

[0166] <Other Embodiments> It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a recording medium containing program code for software that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device, and by having the computer (or CPU or MPU) of that system or device read and execute the program code stored on the recording medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the embodiments described above, and the storage medium containing that program code constitutes the present invention.

[0167] For storing program code, storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and DVDs can be used.

[0168] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized not only by the computer executing the program code it reads, but also in cases where the OS or other system running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized through that processing.

[0169] Furthermore, it goes without saying that this also includes cases where, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory of a function expansion board inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to a computer, the CPU or other components of the function expansion board or function expansion unit perform some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized through that processing.

[0170] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0171] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose the inventions of the following items. (Item 1) A communication system including an information processing device and a communication device, The aforementioned communication device is A first transmission means that transmits the MAC address of the communication device at a first timing, Control means that performs specific control on the communication device such that the MAC address of the communication device is not randomized even if the specific conditions are met, based on the fact that a specific function for randomizing the MAC address of the communication device according to specific conditions is enabled and the communication device is in a specific mode for performing wireless configuration of the communication device, A second transmission means transmits the MAC address of the communication device at a second timing after the aforementioned specific control has been performed. Equipped with, The aforementioned information processing device is A third transmission means transmits information for setting up the wireless configuration of the communication device via a connection between the communication device and the information processing device in the aforementioned specific mode, An execution means that performs processing based on the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing, A communication system characterized by comprising the following features. (Item 2) The process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at the first timing is the process by which the communication device, operating in the specific mode, transmits a beacon containing the MAC address of the communication device. The communication system described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at the first timing is the process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device via the connection between the communication device and the information processing device operating in the specific mode. The communication system described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 4) The process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at the second timing is a process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device after the wireless settings of the communication device have been configured based on the information for configuring the wireless settings of the communication device. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized by the above. (Item 5) The information for configuring the wireless settings of the communication device is information about an external access point that is outside the communication device and outside the information processing device. The process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at the second timing is a process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device via the external access point after the communication device has connected to the external access point based on information for configuring the wireless settings of the communication device. The communication system described in item 4, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 6) Based on the fact that the communication device has started operating in the specific mode, the specific control is performed. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized by the above. (Item 7) Based on the fact that a predetermined communication has taken place via the connection between the communication device and the information processing device operating in the aforementioned specific mode, the aforementioned specific control is executed. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized by the above. (Item 8) The communication device has multiple MAC addresses as its MAC address, The aforementioned specific control is a process of controlling the communication device such that at least one MAC address among the plurality of MAC addresses is not randomized even if the specific condition is met, and controlling the communication device such that MAC addresses other than the at least one MAC address among the plurality of MAC addresses are randomized based on the fact that the specific condition is met. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized by the above. (Item 9) The communication device has multiple MAC addresses as its MAC address, The aforementioned specific control is a process that controls the communication device such that all of the multiple MAC addresses are not randomized even if the aforementioned specific conditions are met. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized by the above. (Item 10) The communication device has multiple MAC addresses as its MAC address, The MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing are MAC addresses corresponding to the specific mode among the plurality of MAC addresses. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized by the above. (Item 11) The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes a first stop means for stopping the specific control after the MAC address of the communication device has been transmitted at the second timing. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized by the above. (Item 12) Based on the information processing device receiving a request for the MAC address of the communication device, the MAC address of the communication device is transmitted at the second timing. The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes a second stop means for stopping the specific control based on the failure to accept the MAC address request of the communication device. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized by the above. (Item 13) The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes a third stop means for stopping the specific control based on the fact that the wireless setting based on the information for setting the wireless settings of the communication device was not performed. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 12, characterized by the above. (Item 14) The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes a fourth stopping means for stopping the specific control based on the fact that the connection between the communication device and the information processing device in the specific mode is disconnected without receiving information for setting the wireless configuration of the communication device, A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 13, characterized by the above. (Item 15) The processing based on the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing is a process of comparing the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing with the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 14, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 16) The aforementioned information processing device is The system further includes processing means for performing a process to install a driver corresponding to the communication device based on whether the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing matches the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing. A communication system as described in item 15, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 17) The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes setting means for enabling or disabling the specific function based on user operations or instructions from the information processing device. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 16, characterized by the above. (Item 18) The aforementioned communication device is a printing device. A communication system according to any one of items 1 to 17, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 19) A method for controlling a communication system including an information processing device and a communication device, The control method for the aforementioned communication device is: A first transmission step in which the MAC address of the communication device is transmitted at a first timing, A control step in which a specific function for randomizing the MAC address of the communication device according to specific conditions is enabled, and the communication device is in a specific mode for performing wireless configuration of the communication device, is performed to control the communication device such that the MAC address of the communication device is not randomized even if the specific conditions are met. After the aforementioned specific control is performed, a second transmission step is performed in which the MAC address of the communication device is transmitted at a second timing, Equipped with, The control method for the information processing device is as follows: A third transmission step involves transmitting information for configuring the wireless settings of the communication device via a connection between the communication device and the information processing device in the aforementioned specific mode, An execution step that performs processing based on the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing, A control method characterized by having the following features. (Item 20) A communication device capable of communicating with an information processing device, A first transmission means that transmits the MAC address of the communication device at a first timing, Control means that performs specific control on the communication device such that the MAC address of the communication device is not randomized even if the specific conditions are met, based on the fact that a specific function for randomizing the MAC address of the communication device according to specific conditions is enabled and the communication device is in a specific mode for performing wireless configuration of the communication device, A receiving means for receiving information for setting up the wireless configuration of the communication device via a connection between the communication device and the information processing device in the aforementioned specific mode, A second transmission means transmits the MAC address of the communication device at a second timing after the aforementioned specific control has been performed. A communication device characterized by comprising:

[0172] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0173] 101 PC:102 Access Point:103 Printer:201 CPU:202 ROM:203 Program:204 Wireless Profile:206 ROM:252 CPU:253 ROM:254 Program:255 Wireless Profile:258 RAM

Claims

1. A communication system including an information processing device and a communication device, The aforementioned communication device is A first transmission means that transmits the MAC address of the communication device at a first timing, Control means that performs specific control on the communication device such that the MAC address of the communication device is not randomized even if the specific conditions are met, based on the fact that a specific function for randomizing the MAC address of the communication device according to specific conditions is enabled and the communication device is in a specific mode for performing wireless configuration of the communication device, A second transmission means that transmits the MAC address of the communication device at a second timing after the aforementioned specific control has been performed, Equipped with, The aforementioned information processing device is A third transmission means that transmits information for setting up the wireless configuration of the communication device via a connection between the communication device and the information processing device in the aforementioned specific mode, An execution means that performs processing based on the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing, A communication system characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at the first timing is the process by which the communication device, operating in the specific mode, transmits a beacon containing the MAC address of the communication device. The communication system according to feature 1.

3. The process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at the first timing is the process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device via the connection between the communication device and the information processing device operating in the specific mode. The communication system according to feature 1.

4. The process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at the second timing is a process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device after the wireless settings of the communication device have been configured based on the information for configuring the wireless settings of the communication device. The communication system according to feature 1.

5. The information for configuring the wireless settings of the communication device is information about an external access point that is outside the communication device and outside the information processing device. The process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device at the second timing is a process of transmitting the MAC address of the communication device via the external access point after the communication device has connected to the external access point based on information for configuring the wireless settings of the communication device. The communication system according to feature 4.

6. Based on the fact that the communication device has started operating in the specific mode, the specific control is performed. The communication system according to feature 1.

7. Based on the fact that a predetermined communication has taken place via the connection between the communication device and the information processing device operating in the aforementioned specific mode, the aforementioned specific control is executed. The communication system according to feature 1.

8. The communication device has multiple MAC addresses as its MAC addresses. The aforementioned specific control is a process of controlling the communication device such that at least one of the plurality of MAC addresses is not randomized even if the specific condition is met, and controlling the communication device such that MAC addresses other than the at least one of the plurality of MAC addresses are randomized based on the fact that the specific condition is met. The communication system according to feature 1.

9. The communication device has multiple MAC addresses as its MAC addresses. The aforementioned specific control is a process that controls the communication device such that all of the multiple MAC addresses are not randomized even if the aforementioned specific conditions are met. The communication system according to feature 1.

10. The communication device has multiple MAC addresses as its MAC addresses. The MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing are MAC addresses corresponding to the specific mode among the plurality of MAC addresses. The communication system according to feature 1.

11. The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes a stop means for stopping the specific control after the MAC address of the communication device has been transmitted at the second timing. The communication system according to feature 1.

12. Based on the information processing device receiving a request for the MAC address of the communication device, the MAC address of the communication device is transmitted at the second timing. The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes a stop means for stopping the specific control based on the failure to accept the MAC address request of the communication device. The communication system according to feature 1.

13. The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes a stopping means for stopping the specific control based on the fact that the wireless setting based on the information for setting the wireless settings of the communication device was not performed. The communication system according to feature 1.

14. The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes a stopping means for stopping the specific control based on the fact that the connection between the communication device and the information processing device in the specific mode is disconnected without receiving information for setting the wireless configuration of the communication device, The communication system according to feature 1.

15. The processing based on the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing is a process of comparing the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing with the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing. The communication system according to feature 1.

16. The aforementioned information processing device is The system further includes processing means for executing a process to install a driver corresponding to the communication device based on the fact that the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing matches the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing. The communication system according to claim 15, characterized in that it is the same as described above.

17. The aforementioned communication device is The system further includes setting means for enabling or disabling the specific function based on user operations or instructions from the information processing device. The communication system according to feature 1.

18. The aforementioned communication device is a printing device. The communication system according to feature 1.

19. A method for controlling a communication system including an information processing device and a communication device, The control method for the aforementioned communication device is: A first transmission step in which the MAC address of the communication device is transmitted at a first timing, A control step in which a specific function for randomizing the MAC address of the communication device according to specific conditions is enabled, and the communication device is in a specific mode for performing wireless configuration of the communication device, is performed to control the communication device such that the MAC address of the communication device is not randomized even if the specific conditions are met. After the aforementioned specific control is performed, a second transmission step is performed in which the MAC address of the communication device is transmitted at a second timing, Equipped with, The control method for the information processing device is as follows: A third transmission step involves transmitting information for configuring the wireless settings of the communication device via a connection between the communication device and the information processing device in the aforementioned specific mode, An execution step that performs processing based on the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the first timing and the MAC address of the communication device transmitted at the second timing, A control method characterized by having the following features.

20. A communication device capable of communicating with an information processing device, A first transmission means that transmits the MAC address of the communication device at a first timing, Control means that performs specific control on the communication device such that the MAC address of the communication device is not randomized even if the specific conditions are met, based on the fact that a specific function for randomizing the MAC address of the communication device according to specific conditions is enabled and the communication device is in a specific mode for performing wireless configuration of the communication device, A receiving means for receiving information for setting up the wireless configuration of the communication device via a connection between the communication device and the information processing device in the aforementioned specific mode, A second transmission means that transmits the MAC address of the communication device at a second timing after the aforementioned specific control has been performed, A communication device characterized by comprising:

Images